MGMA to HHS: Modify ICD-10 Implementation Process

The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) recently sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the ICD-10 delay. While they support HHS’ decision to delay ICD-10, they feel that the implementation process should be modified “to focus on conducting the due diligence necessary for a potential change of this magnitude.”

ICD-10 is expected to be one of the most significant changes the physician practice community has ever undertaken,” the letter stated. “This new code set will impact not only billing, quality reporting and other administrative transactions, but will also require changes to clinical documentation and workflow processes and necessitate extensive clinician training. The adoption of ICD-10 should not be considered without a revised implementation process in place. Failure to complete these critical steps will divert scarce intellectual, educational, and financial resources away from the adoption of HIT and other more critical patient care-focused endeavors.

MGMA makes seven recommendations that would minimize the disruptions on healthcare during ICD-10 implementation:

Complete a comprehensive cost benefit analysis.

Pilot test ICD-10.

Analyze the administrative and financial impact of overlapping initiatives.

Evaluate additional code set approaches.

Stagger implementation dates.

Develop appropriate crosswalks.

Require certification.

Health IT is becoming more prevalent across healthcare, especially as adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) grows and meaningful use encourages patient engagement. Aligning ICD-10 with existing initiatives such as meaningful use and e-prescribing would reduce cost and time burden placed on physicians.

Many practices and EHR vendors, including ChartLogic, are continuing to roll forward with their ICD-10 plans to ensure they are ready to comply with any deadline HHS sets.